Would you give up everything to be a Grey Nomad?

[Rumpig]

You mention Silver Streak Nomads...back in 2006 up at Cape York we didn't really bump into many people at all our age (mid 30's with kids), they were mostly older grey nomads. Becoming more common for families to travel now and take their kids out of school, our 3 year old daughter was a real hit with the grey nomads that were missing their grandkids...lol

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi LB, I would pack my mob up tomorrow 4 kids and wife in the 4wd with off road pop top van in tow and tinny on top of 4wd and head off touring but wife will not go with me unless we stay in units or cabins, as i have dragged her up to many dry gulleies up northern Aus Before Kids and with little kids she is over it,  but if she did, I would only go for 6 or 7 months at a time I would not sell our house I would rent it out four 6 months, that 10 grand would cover the fuel and tucker as we would mix it up between caravan parks and free camps and beach camping, And we would have somewhere to live at the end, and plan the next trip, Craig   

[krisandkev]

No.  Don't do it!   We spent 12 months on the road last year and could not wait to get home.  Never again.  What a sh** life it was.  Just stay home and work hard. 

Way too many people on the road now days.  We need to get them off the road and get home. 

 
Yep, that way there will be more room for us!    Hard to find quite spots with so many travellers.  Dam people enjoying themselves. 

Then the ones who want to be friendly and chat and sit around a fire.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.   Day after day, doing what you want, going anywhere you want. Finding a track and driving in to find a brilliant camp spot.    Yep stay home, you would not like it...... 

And please, would everyone stay away from Cape York Peninsula.  Again, and you must trust me, you will hate it up there.  Nothing to see here......    Kevin 

[LB]

Its funny how we say "before Im we are to old? it means so many different things. We are in a different phase seeming to most in there early 40's. Our kids are 24,23 and my baby turns 17 next week (shes the only one living at home), so we are now at the life after kids stage. All my kids have been to Europe we camp several times a year all together and even had a 2 week family holiday in Tassie last year (figured that was probably the last real family holiday with just the 5 of us) so they have done ok on the travel seen. So now it is time we thought of ourselves and what we want.

I don't mind taking some risk (trust me went to the Penrith show 5 years ago intending to spend 30k and in the end spent 60k on our KK) but I personally would need to know my bases are covered or I would just worry or the time. Spent to many years when the kids were young wondering how we were going to pay the bills, not going back there.

So I think my plan is throw a little extra in super over the next 17 years, then downsize the house using the extra funds and savings to fund us between 60 and 67 then live off our super after that. It won't mean heaps of overseas holidays but its this great country I want to see all of.

[scblack]

So I think my plan is throw a little extra in super over the next 17 years, then downsize the house using the extra funds and savings to fund us between 60 and 67 then live off our super after that. It won't mean heaps of overseas holidays but its this great country I want to see all of.

If you are going to fund a period of time via the house value - have a good look into a Reverse Mortgage and consider that rather than selling up.

A Reverse Mortgage is a means of borrowing money based on your home value/equity and repaying it later. That would save the stamp duty fees, many different costs like removalists and solicitors etc. It also may mean the more valuable current home will appreciate in value more than a cheaper one, which may offset some of the reverse mortgage amount.

[LB]

If you are going to fund a period of time via the house value - have a good look into a Reverse Mortgage and consider that rather than selling up.

A Reverse Mortgage is a means of borrowing money based on your home value/equity and repaying it later. That would save the stamp duty fees, many different costs like removalists and solicitors etc. It also may mean the more valuable current home will appreciate in value more than a cheaper one, which may offset some of the reverse mortgage amount.

To be honest I just cant see the point of holding on to the large house once you have retired. Higher maintenance cost, the probability of having to move later when you can no longer look after it on your own. I think it would be more particle to settle into a comfortable 1 level 3brm with a small manageable yard that will suit from 60 - 90 years of age, then our 5brm oversize family home. The utility and maintenance costs would reduce hugely which along with money saved in the sale would go a long way to achieving the kind of retirement I want.

[Ozsnowman]

If I won Tattslotto, I'd be packing up the house tomorrow and heading off in a heartbeat!

[Bird]

To be honest I just cant see the point of holding on to the large house once you have retired. Higher maintenance cost, the probability of having to move later when you can no longer look after it on your own. I think it would be more particle to settle into a comfortable 1 level 3brm with a small manageable yard that will suit from 60 - 90 years of age, then our 5brm oversize family home. The utility and maintenance costs would reduce hugely which along with money saved in the sale would go a long way to achieving the kind of retirement I want.

5 bedroom houses will become like rocking horse Shit the way houses are going these days... apparently they are referred to as McMansions by latte' people.
Their value will be awesome in 10-20yrs time, there wont be any left.. all dozed to make way for Shitty little townhouses and shipping container houses. Modern sardine cans don't even have enough room for a washing line.

[Alan Loy]

I like the idea of selling the family home and buying a smaller home suitable for retirement.  Then renting that whilst we are on the road.  This solves the issue of renting something you have an emotional attachment to.

I could get 2 small properties (units, townhouses) for what the home is worth.  Keeps you in the market and is good rental return.

[scblack]

5 bedroom houses will become like rocking horse Shit the way houses are going these days... apparently they are referred to as McMansions by latte' people.
Their value will be awesome in 10-20yrs time, there wont be any left.. all dozed to make way for Shitty little townhouses and shipping container houses. Modern sardine cans don't even have enough room for a washing line.

I live in Baulkham Hills, and just down the road is McMansion central. Check out Rouse Hill and Kellyville areas.

New homes consist of:
Smallish block
Large 4-5 bedroom homes
No eaves
Built right to edges of property
Small yard, often little more than a courtyard
No trees

Friends who are tradies work on these development areas and they WALK from roof to roof - they don't even have to jump to the next door house, just step from roof to roof.

[Throbbinhood]

My partner and I (both 29) don't own a house and don't plan to. We have a one year old and probably another soon to come, are saving and planning to upgrade vehicle and to a hard floor camper, and then follow in another forum member here's footsteps and work and travel Australia (and potentially other countries after). Plan is to be as self sufficient as possible, our only expenses hopefully being fuel, food, gas for the stove, and misc entertainment etc. Obviously there are more expenses, but the lower we can get these, the longer we can travel.

We've got family who have gotten sick young (MS and other things), and don't want to wait for a retirement we may never see.

[Bird]

I live in Baulkham Hills, and just down the road is McMansion central. Check out Rouse Hill and Kellyville areas.

New homes consist of:
Smallish block
Large 4-5 bedroom homes
No eaves
Built right to edges of property
Small yard, often little more than a courtyard
No trees

Friends who are tradies work on these development areas and they WALK from roof to roof - they don't even have to jump to the next door house, just step from roof to roof.

Been 25yrs since I've been out that way thankfully!

They started that sardine tin look in the estate at Cranbourne, where they used common walls for the garages - that's how close.

Maybe I was spoilt, our block I grew up on was 400ft long, nobody had side or back fences after the first 100ft so it was like fields of dreams. I couldn't survive in one of those estates.

[LB]

I live in Baulkham Hills, and just down the road is McMansion central. Check out Rouse Hill and Kellyville areas.

New homes consist of:
Smallish block
Large 4-5 bedroom homes
No eaves
Built right to edges of property
Small yard, often little more than a courtyard
No trees

Friends who are tradies work on these development areas and they WALK from roof to roof - they don't even have to jump to the next door house, just step from roof to roof.

So true about the house to house that's what our mate of ours said Glenwood was like when he was working there. Im rather a fan of retiring to the lower blue mountains. You get much better value for the money and better views then the areas you mentioned.

[Bird]

So true about the house to house that's what our mate of ours said Glenwood was like when he was working there. Im rather a fan of retiring to the lower blue mountains. You get much better value for the money and better views then the areas you mentioned.

... by the time I retire all those nice places will be the same as the CBD for prices... Central Coast and south coast used to be retirement zones.. now they are worth diamonds

[McGirr]

No really grey nomads although I have some grey hair but we left Cairns Jan 2015 and have been working around Australia. 

We were renting so no place for us to go back to. We call home where ever we have accomodation. We take each day as it comes and have no concerns where we end up next. Its all part of the adventure and great memories. Some people like to have the back stop of a home when they finish traveling.

We will have a fair amount of super when we retire so will consider where we live permanently in the future. The places we work are normally off the tourist route so no crowds as we can always do the tourist routes later. The company we work for want us to stay with them for a long time and are happy to give us pay rises each year.

Regarding health issues we get flown out if needed and as Penny is heading to Darwin for a major operation end of this month, full hysterectomy, due to cancer in her womb and no waiting list.

Packing up everything and traveling is not for everyone. But in saying that I would not leave it until your too old and not in the best of health. We met so many people traveling that regretted not traveling when they were younger.

Everyone's predicament is different and getting out of your comfort zone is not easy.

Its the best thing we have done and should have done it sooner.

Mark

[MadMarv]

Id agree McGirr .... althou i would like to keep my house ..... its not worth waiting for the kids to be older or not for them to be in school etc ..... you never know when you time is up and if you wait till older it may be too late ..... if you really want to travel then just do it .... school/work be buggered ....

[edz]

These guys took to the road and havent looked back, although the family has grown since they here .. And they are still travelling and the kids are great, home schooled and well versed in life skills http://www.parkeschampionpost.com.au/story/1425465/family-of-12s-continuous-aussie-adventure/
https://au.news.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/watch/27358779/holiday-road-11-kids-and-life-in-a-bus/#page1

[UIZ733]

The idea sounds appealing. Selling up to do it NO WAY. If you do not own a base property I guess it would be different.
We have met many (nomads) over the last few years and what SOME do is not appealing. Wandering aimlessly from free-camp to camp (and having silly schemes to beat rules and regulations) does not appeal. Many of them have a very self-centered sense of entitlement and also have little regard for rules. They do not hesitate to whack out the 2KW generator to put the aircon on to watch afternoon soapies or some other selfish activity. There was even one prick at Balgal Beach that hooked HIS water hose to the tap and thought nothing of leaving it permanently connected. I think somebody (not me) cut the connector off. He had the generator already on in his Bushtracker despite it being a clear sunny day with temps in the mid 20's. Why he was in a free camp with a $150000 caravan and $100,000 Landcruiser in the first place did not make sense to me. Many of the ('Nomads') we met were selfish bastards.
Giving up permanent work and travelling this wonderful land is a different proposition and absolutely commendable. Working to enhance the lifestyle, if required or desired, would only enhance the concept and make it a lot more enjoyable. 'Nomads' we met that had the best attitude to life and were good company, almost invariably had a base and were not on the road permanently. There were exceptions (like a gifted musical instrument maker) and others with very specific talents and agendas. 

[GeoffA]

......They do not hesitate to whack out the 2KW generator to put the aircon on to watch afternoon soapies or some other selfish activity........

Don't have to be a Grey Nomad to be selfish....

 

[UIZ733]

Don't have to be a Grey Nomad to be selfish....

 

I am very well aware of that. Don't get me started. The original post relates to Nomads though.

[LB]

This whole thing is a balancing act. I look at my dad and step mum, who retire at 65 and were smart with there money. Whilst they are not rich they live a very comfortable retirement. Dad is now 75 and they are currently on a 6 week trip around Europe. Then I look at my in laws who had  a much bigger retirement fund (7 figures) weren't smart losing a huge amount in the GFC because they left their money in stocks, which resulted and in my father in law also 75 only just retiring from paid work. 

I don't want to have to depend on the age pension even though we are homeowners (couldn't even imagine how hard that would be if renting). The thought of depending on free campsites and living week to week (been there done that don't want to go back) scares the hell out of me. But I do also do not want to leave it till its too late.

Our goal is retire at 60 which these days is not old by any means old. That may adjust depending on circumstances but at the moment that's what we are on track for.

I want to see all of this great country but I want to do it knowing I will not have to rely on the government and my family to look after me in my old age.

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi LB, I am 53 my wife and I own everything house and 1,8 block 4wd and cars,We have money invested. I can not see myself retiring till I am around 70 as I love working. I only work 150 days a year,  skippering a 10m charter boat. I get plenty of down time to travel. We love free camps you do not have to be on a pension to use them we find them great,There are some great free camps set up by Councils and the big rigs you see at them are fantastic,   We stay at caravan parks to they are top spots as well,  Craig   

[LB]

Hi LB, I am 53 my wife and I own everything house and 1,8 block 4wd and cars,We have money invested. I can not see myself retiring till I am around 70 as I love working. I only work 150 days a year,  skippering a 10m charter boat. I get plenty of down time to travel. We love free camps you do not have to be on a pension to use them we find them great,There are some great free camps set up by Councils and the big rigs you see at them are fantastic,   We stay at caravan parks to they are top spots as well,  Craig   

Don't get me wrong when comes to the time we will be will chose to free camp some of the time, but I want that to be a choice not a must.

Sound's like you have it all sorted which is great and have your bases covered. You also a lucky to have job that gives you that flexibility. I do payroll/accounts and my better half is in IT not professions that have that kind of flexibility.

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi Lb, Life is what you make of it, I hope everything turns out right for you, Craig

[trevc]

You also a lucky to have job that gives you that flexibility. I do payroll/accounts and my better half is in IT not professions that have that kind of flexibility.

I was a stockbroker, wife in the govt and kids aged 8 and and 10.
I was fat, angry and stressed; Bec was pretty much a single mum, so we threw it in for a year and traveled.
We rented the house, which pretty much covered it's costs and away we went.

Fast forward 3 years and I now maintain gardens and lawns, my office the great outdoors, and biggest stress is if it's going to rain. Yeah and I've lost 30 kg.
We have a very different lifestyle to the one we left and am far happier and healthier than ever before. Sure we don't have the bucks we used to, but you can't buy time.
A few weeks ago an ex colleague of mine dropped dead on a cycling charity ride. Physically pretty healthy but this bloke had a LOT of stress in his work life. I'm sure his family would give all the things he's accumulated from this job that's killed him to be able to spend a few more years with him.

So yes you can chuck your job in and travel, it worked for me. And once the kids are a couple of years out of school we plan to head off again.

Trev